This is by no means a comprehensive list, but I
wanted to offer some ideas for those new to freelance writing who need guidance
to get started. Think outside the box and you will find work! Don’t forget,
every place you come across needs writers and you just might be exactly who
they are looking for.
1. Copy Writing
Copywriting can refer to any form of writing,
but I view it primarily as content for websites or other online spaces that
require text. It is typically persuasive and somewhat sales-oriented, designed
to highlight the positive aspects of a company or business and encourage people
to buy, use, or share. Copywriters must carefully consider their target
audience and what will motivate those individuals to take the actions the
client desires.
2. Blog
articles
These days, most businesses and organizations
have blogs. It’s all about SEO, right? You need content to feed the Google
machine and attract visitors with fresh ideas. Most people don’t have time to
blog, so this is a perfect opportunity for you to step in and take charge.
Depending on the topic, you can brainstorm a plethora of ideas and create
300-600 word blog posts filled with keywords and optimized interests. Blog
articles are essential for a business, and there is a significant opportunity
here.
3. Newsletters
Newsletters are another writing task most
people don’t want to deal with. Over the past decade or so, we’ve all come to
learn that newsletters are king. Everyone loves social media, but an email list
is your goldmine. Therefore, you need great content to send out exclusively to
your email list. Where does great content come from? It can be images and
videos, but you’re going to need words to have a great email newsletter.
4. Copy editing
Copy editing is less writing and more editing,
but still a form of writing. Everyone needs copy editors because no one wants
to look unprofessional by having typos or grammatical mistakes on their public-facing
properties. That’s where you come in. Be a fresh set of eyes on important
content going out to customers and supporters. Help rework sentences that are
out of place and polish up a copy so it’s really good.
5. Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting can make you a lot of money. Do
you know how many CEOs and higher-ups don’t want to write but do want their
name on something? Whether it’s an op/ed, a policy paper, or even a book —
there are a lot of people out there willing to pay a ghostwriter to make them
look good. Some may have ethical issues against ghostwriting, but it is done
often and there is no shortage of opportunities if you can make your mark. I
know a woman who makes a living ghostwriting memoir!
6. Sales and ad writing
Got a knack for being persuasive? Welcome to
sales writing! The right words can make so many more sales. Have you ever tried
doing an A/B test on a newsletter subject line? Sometimes one gets a way higher
open rate. That’s why people are always looking for smart, savvy sales writers
who know how to press the buttons of potential buyers. Can you get them to
imagine themselves wearing the shirt or doing the activity? Then you might be
awesome at this always-ripe field of writing.
7. Press releases
Press releases aren’t anyone’s favorite thing
to write, but they are still important, and people need writers to compile
them. Press release writers must distill key information into concise talking
points, making it easy to understand and accessible to the press. The goal is
to capture the media's attention; the better you achieve this for your clients,
the happier they will be. It can be one of the quicker types of assignments if
you excel at them.
8. E-books
E-books may not be as popular now as they once
were, but they remain a frequently used resource. Companies, coaches, and
organizations often use e-books as incentives for email collection, program
sign-ups, or other free lead magnets. Moreover, e-books represent a substantial
amount of writing that the owners and employees prefer not to do themselves. If
you are a quick thinker and a fast writer, writing e-books may be an excellent opportunity
for you.
9. Technical writing
There is a significant amount of technical
writing required for tasks such as instruction manuals and breaking down
complex information into easily digestible segments for laypeople or internal
staff. I’ve read that effective technical writing is defined as “relevant,
useful, and accurate information” targeted at specific audiences. Technical
writing may encompass white papers, process flows, product catalogs, or
training manuals, along with other similar materials. Since this isn’t the most
enjoyable type of writing, there may be greater job opportunities available to
you in this field!
10. Social Copy
Every good company needs social media, which
means they also need good social media copy. Some leave this to a particular
“social media manager,” while others work with writers and their staff to
create an engaging, fun, and informational social copy. You may pick up a
social copy gig in the form of becoming a social media manager or content
creator — or you may just write copy for the client and they use it as they see
fit. Either way, social media is always a need people have so don’t count
yourself out of that game.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve thoroughly covered the
types of content writing services available for freelancers. I highly recommend
exploring various writing styles to find which one best suits your skills.
Whether you opt for SEO writing, ghostwriting, or product descriptions, there
is a freelance writing niche for everyone. The key is to discover your passion and align
it with what clients seek. With determination and consistent effort, you can
transform your passion for writing into a full-time freelance career. Don’t wait—take action now and begin offering
your writing services on platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, or Fiverr!
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